Roman Shield Armored Vehicle (RSAV)

ABSTRACT

A mechanically-operated vehicle that has a bullet-resistant shield comprising bullet resistant glass panels that allows full-enclosure of an operator and passengers on all sides and top, at least four wheels, a steering wheel that controls the vehicle, and the vehicle can fit through ADA compliant double doors and freight or service elevators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a Roman Shield Armored Vehicle (RSAV), a tactical device used for moderate to high-risk building entries and searches. Particularly, the RSAV is a fully enclosed tactical shield comprised of bullet resistant glass operated on a ballistic-paneled vehicle with four wheels which transports an operator and a maximum of three additional personnel, such as officers or soldiers, into hostile environments while mitigating harm to personnel and enhancing/retaining defensive and offensive capabilities.

2. Background Art

The Roman Shield (RS) (TM pending), Roman Shield Cycle (RSC) (TM pending), Roman Shield Trike (RST) (TM pending), and Roman Shield Armored Vehicle (RSAV) (TM pending) are dedicated to Oakland Police Sergeant Ervin Romans and to our brothers and sisters whose lives were taken in the line of duty. In 2009, Sergeant Romans, a SWAT member, was conducting a high-risk building entry when he was killed by a lone assailant lying in wait inside a residence with a high-powered rifle. If Sergeant Romans had access to the RSAV, the outcome may have been different. Sergeant Romans' valor and heroism will not be forgotten and we dedicate the RSAV in his honor. The Roman Shield inventions enhance law enforcement officers', military soldiers', and other first responders' safety during moderate to high risk tactical and/or life preserving/saving operations.

A dangerous aspect of an officer's job is to enter a building when it is occupied by armed individual(s). Often, after breaching a door, an officer is subject to physical and assaults from deadly weapons. Generally, an officer enters a room with minimal protection, wearing a tactical vest, and maybe utilizing a hand carried shield which places the officer in a tactical disadvantage because one arm is occupied, thus reducing his response to deadly threats. In addition, the hand carried tactical shield is heavy, one-dimensional, and provides limited coverage.

Further, although other multi-role armored vehicles are available, they are too large or inadequate to enter buildings, especially in residential or urban neighborhoods, without causing significant structural damages primarily due to their large, cumbersome, and generally destructive nature when they breach a building.

Thus, the Roman Shield inventions can mitigate injuries to law enforcement officers or soldiers during entry into buildings and through doorways, while retaining defensive and offensive capabilities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

An embodiment of the Roman Shield inventions are armored vehicles comprising a bullet resistant glass shield capable of partially (RS) or fully enclosing (RSC, RST and RSAV) a person(s), and a vehicle, wherein the RST and RSAV vehicles have additional ballistic panels. The RS and RSC are able to fit through Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) compliant single doors and passenger elevators and the RST and RSAV are able to fit through ADA compliant double doors and service/freight elevators. The RS and RSC inventions incorporate bullet resistant glass and the RST and RSAV inventions incorporate bullet resistant glass and ballistic panels that meet or exceed Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) ratings that also meet U.S. military standards. Another embodiment allows passage through freight elevators.

The Roman Shield inventions comprise of motorized life preserving/saving tactical shields for use in moderate to high-risk building entries, searches, evacuations, and other moderate to high risk situations requiring enhanced protection. The Roman Shield inventions can also be used as high visibility deterrents to potential terrorist attacks, such as the 2013 Boston Marathon attacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of the RSAV.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the RSAV.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the RSAV.

FIG. 4 shows a back view of the RSAV.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Further common elements for each of disclosures: RS, RSC, RST and RSAV could be credited to the other disclosures. Other applications for RS, RSC and RST filed concurrently by the applicants are incorporated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The RSAV 20 is a mechanically-operated vehicle, with a fully enclosed tactical bullet resistant glass shield 6, that is designed to be operated by trained law enforcement or military personnel (therein referred to as “Operator”) during moderate to high-risk entries into a building or residence. The RSAV will allow personnel to drive the vehicle from a steering wheel. When the RSAV is sedentary, passengers as well as the operator can use both hands to utilize on board tools/weapons if a threat is encountered. Particularly, RSAV provides a four wheeled motorized platform which transports an operator and passengers into hostile environments. The wheels are motorized and allow easier entry into buildings.

An embodiment of the RSAV has a shield consisting of bullet resistant glass 6 panels and ballistic panels 13, similar to standard UL protection level rating 8, provides fully-enclosed protection and enhances the operator's and passengers' safety if ambushed from several directions. Thus after a successful entry into a building or residence, the RSAV will continue to enhance personnel safety as it can be strategically situated inside a room during the operation to locate and engage suspect(s) and/or to serve as a tactical shield during the recovery of citizens or injured law enforcement personnel.

Another embodiment is a RSAV that supplements and enhances existing law enforcement tools. The RSAV is a seated motorized fully-enclosed tactical shield made with industry standard bullet resistant glass and is on at least four wheels 15 which provide mobility while allowing instrumentation on the shield.

The RSAV will be equipped with a rechargeable electric motor 17 which is cost effective, quiet, has no emission, powered by lithium or NiCad battery packs. The rechargeable electric motor allows for field swappable power modules. The motor is quiet and can enter an area with minimum sound. The RSAV is powered by a 48 volt system, 4 horse power, six (6) 8-volt batteries with at least about 12-15 miles usage on a single charge, and with speeds of at least about 25 mph.

Additionally, the RSAV has an additional backup 48 volt power system for supplemental power that can be utilized when the main power source is drained. This supplemental power system can be utilized by a switch located on the dash. The RSAV can recharge using wall outlets or outlets accessible from the mobile command center, which makes the RSAV cost effective and a zero emission vehicle. RSAV has at least about 5 inch (12.7 cm) ground clearance.

The RSAV supplements and enhances existing law enforcement tools, namely the hand-carried tactical shield. Currently, law enforcement personnel use a hand-carried tactical shield, which requires the officer to carry a twenty-five (25) pound (11.3 kg) tactical shield with one arm which places them at a tactical disadvantage if harm or deadly threats are encountered. In addition, the hand-carried tactical shield is one dimensional and armor is lightweight and susceptible to penetration by larger caliber bullets.

A mechanically-operated vehicle 20 that has a fully enclosed bullet-resistant shield comprising bullet resistant glass 6 that encloses the operator and at least three adult-size passengers on all sides and top, and a ballistic-paneled vehicle 13, four wheels 15, a steering wheel 21 or any apparatus (e.g., hand-directed or visual-directed) that controls the vehicle, and the vehicle can fit through an ADA compliant double size doorway, and fit through and maneuver in a 4000-lb (1814.3 kg) service or freight elevator.

Another embodiment is the RSAV comprises a bullet resistant glass shield 6 capable of full-enclosure of the operator and passengers, and a ballistic-paneled vehicle 13, wherein the vehicle is approximately 44″ (111.8 cm) wide, 72″ (182.9 cm) tall, and 96″ (243.8 cm) long, of a size to fit through ADA compliant double doors and freight or service elevators. The dimensions for an ADA compliant double door are 48″ (121.9 cm) wide×80″ (203.2 cm) tall. Another embodiment is the RSAV is of a size that fits through a freight elevator, which for a 4000-lb (1814.3 kg) DELAWARE (2210 Allen Drive, Salisbury, Md. 21801) Class A general freight loading elevator has an entrance clearance of 68″ (172.7 cm)×89½ (227.3 cm) with an inside width of 68″ (172.7 cm), height of 96″ (243.8 cm), and a depth of 120″ (304.8 cm).

The RSAV allows an operator and passengers to enter buildings in compliance with ADA compliant double doors with no or minimal damages to infrastructure. Another embodiment is that the RSAV can enter an ADA compliant building with double doors and service or freight elevators. The RSAV is quickly deployable and can be used by trained operators to respond to mass shootings at shopping malls, school, universities, or businesses. The RSAV will be suitable to enter buildings or structures that are compliant to the ADA.

In terms of maneuverability within an ADA compliant building, the RSAV can make a U-turn around a pathway with width of at least 42″ (106.7 cm) on the approaches and 48″ (121.9 cm) in the turn. In another embodiment, the RSAV can enter through an ADA compliant double door and can maneuver within an ADA compliant building. An ADA compliant building has aisles with width of at least 36″ (91.4 cm), and accordingly, an embodiment of the RSAV has a width of less than 36″ (91.4 cm), such as about 34″ (86.4 cm) and provides a seating arrangement to permit one to two passengers to sit behind the operator in an oblique formation at about 45° from center. More passengers may sit in the same angular formation behind the first set of passengers. This angular seating arrangement will allow two occupants to sit inside the vehicle while allowing for minimal width of the vehicle. Specifically, the angular seating position will allow the shoulders and legs of the passengers to be angular from center of the vehicle, thus allowing the vehicle to be of minimal width. In a preferred embodiment, the occupant sitting on the left side of the vehicle is sitting facing off center towards the left, while the occupant sitting on the right side of the vehicle is sitting facing off center towards right. Accordingly, the RSAV will have sufficient room to maneuver in life-saving operations inside the aforementioned ADA compliant buildings or complexes while mitigating harm to the operator.

Moreover, the RSAV can be transported via a trailer pulled by a standard size vehicle. The RSAV will have sufficient dimension to allow entry into and exit from ADA compliant double doors and freight or service elevators. A preferred embodiment is that the vehicle is compliant to ADA standards for entry, maneuverability within, and withdrawal from ADA compliant buildings or structures.

Another embodiment provides a transparent top enclosure 29 made of bullet resistant glass as the protective shield, which provides protection for the operator and passengers from threats above without hindering top visibility.

The RSAV supplements and enhances existing law enforcement tools. The RSAV is a fully-enclosed tactical shield made with industry standard bullet resistant glass 6 and is on at least four wheels 15 which provide mobility while allowing instrumentation on the shield.

Another preferred embodiment is that the RSAV has at least four heavy duty wheels 15, easily adaptable for various terrains i.e. grass, rock, shrubbery, sand, ice, or snow. Another preferred embodiment is that the RSAV is a vehicle with ballistic panels 13 whereby the four wheels are also protected by ballistic panels, from weapons or threats.

An embodiment of the RSAV are four (4) secured bullet resistant glass side doors 22 comprised of two doors on the left capable of opening/remaining open in an outward position and two doors on the right capable of opening/remaining open in an outward position, enabling operators to make tactical deployments from the RSAV or use these doors as additional ballistic shields should they encounter deadly threats while they are outside the RSAV.

An embodiment of the RSAV has at least one firearm port 28. A preferred embodiment has a minimum of five (5) firearms ports, one on each door with two doors on each side and one firearms port behind the rear driver's side or behind the front passenger side.

An embodiment of the RSAV has two bench seats, one front facing 23 and the other rear facing 24 to effectively accommodate operator and passengers, and to allow optimal view of surrounding threats.

An embodiment of the RSAV has LED (light-emitting diode) lights 2, i.e. two (2) in front, two (2) on the right side and two (2) on the left side, installed at the top of the shield for entries made under low lighting or darkness.

An embodiment of the RSAV possesses police alarm lights, which is normally comprised of a solid red or solid blue light and red and blue strobe lights 27 (depending on the state) that identifies the vehicle as an emergency law enforcement vehicle.

An embodiment of the RSAV has additional auxiliary lights i.e. HID (high intensity discharge) lights 26, i.e. two (2) in front, two (2) on the right side and two (2) on the left sides, installed at the top of the shield for entries made under low lighting or darkness. In addition, the very bright HID lights can also temporarily confuse and disable potential assailant(s) who may be lying in wait.

An embodiment of the RSAV also employs a flash bang feature 9 on the front and rear of the shield to temporarily confuse or disable potential assailant(s) who may pose an immediate threat.

An embodiment of the RSAV also employs a taser gun feature 11 on the front and rear of the shield to temporarily confuse or disable potential assailant(s) who may pose an immediate threat. A preferred embodiment enhances offensive capabilities with two strategically placed ports 11 where taser guns can be deployed.

An embodiment of the RSAV has six (6) firearms ports, one in the front 7, two on the left side 28, two on the right side 28 and one in the rear 28 of the vehicle so the operator and passengers can engage with deadly force if life threatening situations are encountered while operating the device. A preferred embodiment provides six (6) firearm ports 7, 28 so that personnel can utilize deadly force while operating the vehicle.

An embodiment of the RSAV has a maneuverable robotic claw 10 on the front and rear of the vehicle that can be used to pick up items, pull items, open doors, and subdue suspects until they can be properly handcuffed/secured. A preferred embodiment is that the RSAV has two strategically placed maneuverable grasping robotic claw apparatus 10.

An embodiment of the RSAV has a self-contained ventilation system 4 that utilizes independent oxygen. A preferred embodiment will have capacity of at least three (3) hours.

Another preferred embodiment of the RSAV has a steering wheel 21 operated using an onboard biometric (e.g., thumb/iris) fingerprint reader 8 connected to the steering wheel 21. The fingerprint reader could be an intricate part of the steering wheel or any apparatus that control the vehicle. If the primary operator becomes injured or loses control while operating the RSAV, a security shut off feature will terminate power to the RSAV, preventing any assailant(s) from gaining control of the device. Backup operators can immediately resume operating the RSAV provided that their biometric data are also stored inside the reader. The biometrics data can quickly be updated so multiple operators' biometrics are programmed for use at any given time by an administrator. An onboard manual override keypad is also available so an administrator can operate the machine should the biometric reader fail. In addition to the biometric reader, additional security for activation of the RSAV may require entry of a PIN number and/or ignition key.

Another preferred embodiment is that the RSAV can be transported by a trailer pulled by a standard automobile.

Another preferred embodiment is that the RSAV possesses a siren 31.

Another preferred embodiment is that the RSAV can be equipped with an audio enhancer 3 and digital recorder for video and/or audio 5.

Another preferred embodiment is that the RSAV has reflective law enforcement or military logos 12, reflective strips 14 and a solid red or solid blue light (depending on the state) so potential violator(s) and the general public can clearly identify the RSAV as an official law enforcement vehicle.

As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present disclosure are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. It is accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such modifications and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or teaching of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are described above. Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims 

1. A mechanically-operated vehicle comprising: a fully-enclosed shield comprising a bullet resistant glass panels that allows for full-enclosure of an operator and passengers, and a ballistic-panel; at least four wheels; an apparatus that controls the vehicle; and wherein the vehicle can travel through an ADA compliant double size doors and fit in a service or freight elevators.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the wheels are heavy duty and the apparatus is a standard steering wheel.
 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein it can maneuver within an ADA-compliant building.
 4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein a passenger seat is set angularly about 45° off center.
 5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein it comprises a transparent top enclosure made of bullet-resistant glass.
 6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein it will be equipped with a rechargeable electric motor.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising four wheels that are heavy duty wheels, wherein the wheels are easily adaptable for terrains on grass, rock, shrubbery, sand, ice, or snow.
 8. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising tactically placed multiple LED and HID auxiliary lights.
 9. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a self-contained ventilation system.
 10. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising an alarm light selected from the list consisting of a solid red light, a solid blue light, a red/blue strobe lights, and a combination thereof.
 11. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a night-vision viewer.
 12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the night-vision viewer is an infra-red viewer.
 13. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a public address system, a digital recorder, a video recorder, and a siren.
 14. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising strategically located gun ports, two flash bang turrets, two maneuverable robotic claws, and two taser gun batteries.
 15. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising reflective law enforcement or military logos and reflective stripes.
 16. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a biometric reader on the steering wheel to permit secured operation of the vehicle.
 17. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a PIN reader to permit secured operation of the vehicle for the administrator or as backup authentication should the biometric reader fail.
 18. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle can be transported by a trailer that is equipped with a standard ball hitch apparatus that can be attached and transported by a standard automobile with a standard ball hitch system. 